Dear Readers,
I am happy to announce my first blog post of Kristina Lucia Teddy Bears! For this feature, I decided to write about Valentine’s Day. What are your memories of Valentine’s day as a child? So many images arise from handing out valentines, making valentine mailboxes, and receiving heartfelt messages back. It is a great opportunity to be creative and the artistic possibilities are endless! Personally, my most memorable Valentine’s day was when I was eight. I won the award for best dressed for the holiday. Indeed, with my red corduroy skirt with heart balloon applique, sweater with a dog holding a heart, and sweet tart bows in my braided hair I was quite the Valentine girl. As a reward for my ensemble, I was awarded a prize of Jan Brett’s The Mitten. To this day it is still one of my favorite childhood stories and I have gifted it to many special children in my life!
Now as an adult I celebrate this holiday by reaching out to all those I love and making custom Valentine cards for my friend’s children. This holiday is a great way to say I love you fearlessly to the loved ones in your life.
Also, I wanted to share with you a favorite recipe of mine that I bake for my loved ones! Please see below for the recipe of my famous gingerbread cookies which I coat in dark chocolate. I bake them numerous times of the year due to their popularity and Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions! I hope you enjoy them as much as my friends do.
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo
Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
INGREDIENTS FOR COOKIES:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup (firmly packed) dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- Melting chocolate (white, milk, or dark chocolate)
PREPARATION
- In stand mixer, beat butter and sugars together till light and fluffy. Add egg and then molasses to the mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to this mixture. Once fully combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate. (Most recipes recommend 2 hours, but I highly suggest refrigerating the dough overnight).
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Coat the counter and rolling pin lightly with flour and roll out the dough. Use the cookie cutter shape of your desire. (I personally use hearts for Valentine’s Day)
- Lay out cookies on baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes. (I recommend that you keep an eye on your cookies to make sure they do not overcook. Every oven is different!)
- Once the cookies have cooled, melt the melting chocolate and drizzle over the cookies. Let your imagination fly as to whether you want to drizzle chocolate on or cover half/ the whole cookie! There is no right or wrong!)
7. Eat and enjoy with loved ones